It's Michigan apple season: When to look for your favorites

It's apple harvest season in Michigan and the state really loves apples.

We take them for lunch, use them in pies and fresh cider helps us wash down doughnuts.

After releasing her bushel of apples Adela Hernandez, 39, fastens her bag before returning to pick ...more

After releasing her bushel of apples Adela Hernandez, 39, fastens her bag before returning to pick more at Steffens Orchard and Market, LLC in Sparta, Mich. on Oct. 6, 2017.

Andraya Croft/Special to the Free Press

They're not just important to our stomachs, they're a big part of our economy.

Michigan is the third largest apple producing state in the country, according to the Michigan Apple Committee. The state harvested 20 million bushels of apples in 2017 and there are 11.3 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 35,500 acres on 825 family-run farms.

Whether you're picking them from an orchard or from a shelf in the grocery store, here's a look at the different varieties of apples grown in Michigan and when they're harvested, so you know when to be on the lookout for them.

Paula Red

Paula Red

Paula Red

Michigan Apple Committee

Available: Aug. 22

The first available and pleasingly tart.

Ginger Gold

Ginger Gold

Ginger Gold

Michigan Apple Committee

Available: Aug. 23

Sweet-tasting with a hint of tartness.

Gala

Gala

Gala

Michigan Apple Committee

Available: Sept. 7

A soft bite over a mellow sweetness.

McIntosh

McIntosh

McIntosh

Michigan Apple Committee

Available: Sept. 8

Juicy with a lightly tart flavor.

Jonamac

Jonamac

Jonamac

Michigan Apple Committee

Available: Sept. 17

A cross between a McIntosh and Jonathan. It's rich and spicy.

Honeycrisp

Honeycrisp

Honeycrisp

Michigan Apple Committee

Available: Sept. 17

Sweet as honey with a crisp bite.

Golden Delicious

Golden Delicious

Golden Delicious

Michigan Apple Committee

Available: Sept. 21

A gingerly-smooth taste. It's known for it's sweetness.

Jonathan

Jonathan

Jonathan

Michigan Apple Committee

Available: Sept. 21

A crisp, spicy tang that blends well with other apples.

Empire

Empire

Empire

Michigan Apple Committee

Available: Sept. 23

Versatile with a firm texture. Sweet, yet tart, flavor.

Cortland

Cortland

Cortland

Michigan Apple Committee

Available: Sept. 26

Tender, juicy white flesh with a hint of tartness.

Jonagold

Jonagold

Jonagold

Michigan Apple Committee

Available: Sept. 27

A must-try.

Red Delicious

Red Delicious

Red Delicious

Michigan Apple Committee

Available: Sept. 29

Full-flavored sweetness.

Fuji

Fuji

Fuji

Michigan Apple Committee

Available: Sept. 29

Crisp and sweet.

Rome

Rome

Rome

Michigan Apple Committee

Available: Oct. 3

Excellent for baking.

Ida Red

Ida Red

Ida Red

Michigan Apple Committee

Available: Oct. 9

Tastes tangy and tart.

Braeburn

Whether you're picking them from an orchard or from a shelf in the grocery store, here's a look at the different varieties of apples in Michigan and when they're harvested, so you know when to be on the lookout for them.